About Bossier Parish, LA

Below is an excerpt from the Neighborhood Market Report I am working on for the Villages of Tiburon. If you would like a full copy of the report, please send me an email or call (318) 734-9001!

Market Trends Since 2006

The Villages at Tiburon has proven to be quite a success to its developers, and doesn’t look like it will be losing steam any time soon. Since the first home sold in 2006, property values in the Villages at Tiburon have appreciated as high as 7.5% in one year! Since 2006, NEW CONSTRUCTION values have increased 13.77%, an average of 2.3% per year.

The first “EXISTING HOME” to sell in the Villages at Tiburon was in 2007; since then existing home values have increase 11.79% (an average of 2.9% per year). Figure 1 shows the appreciation of property values per year since 2006.

It is important to note that from 2010 to 2011 the values of both new construction and existing homes stabilized, with new construction appreciating only .7% and existing homes appreciating at 1% from the previous year.

Figure 1: Average Price Per Square Foot by Year

2011 Home Sales

Market Outlook

With the stabilization of the market from 2010 to 2011, it is safe to assume that the Villages at Tiburon will maintain its values through 2012. However, with the large quantity of building that is going on in the new phase, a slight depreciation of existing homes could be possible as we saw in 2009. The reason for this is because home buyers are drawn to new construction homes. It is a phenomenon that is difficult for many to understand, but more often than not home buyers will be drawn to the appeal of a being the first owner of a property and the possibility of choosing finishes such as the flooring and counter tops. This appeal is often so strong, that these buyers will overlook an existing property with larger lots, fenced yards, sprinkler systems, and so on.

Now all that being said, we have seen the builders on both sides of Tiburon pushing the market this year (much higher prices than last year), which may help existing homes to sell more easily. The key to successfully selling existing homes in any developing community is for the homeowners to be realistic on their values. It is important to remember that an existing home is almost never equal in value to a new construction home. In 2011, new construction homes in the Villages of Tiburon sold for 2.5% more (price per square foot) on average than the existing homes.

Demonstrated by the consistent appreciation of property values each year for the last 6 years it is safe to assume the Villages at Tiburon real estate market will hold strong, even with the builder’s push. Like I mentioned above this is a benefit to the existing homeowners who would like to sell in 2012. A good strategy to compete with the builders is not to push the market as they are. If you follow their lead with an unsupported increase in value, the buyers will turn to new construction. However, if you price your home accordingly to the past sales and appreciation tables, you may be able to show potential buyers the true value in purchasing an existing home over a new build. As long as our community is being developed, an issue that will remain constant is the desirability of new homes over existing ones.

If you are interested in finding out a current value for your property please give me a call at (318) 734-9001 to request a Comprehensive Market Analysis of your property, or visit www.JennyTheRealtor.com.

Jenny Hogue-McCarty

Realty Executives SB

2250 Hospital Drive, Suite 248

Bossier City, LA 71111

Licensed in Louisiana!

Independently owned and operated.

Lots of financial information comes at us via Television, Radio, Neighbors and more? Interest Rates at an all time LOW! How does that help me? I have already refinanced to the lowest interest rate I can get....Have you considered a move up? Many homeowners in, Bossier City, aren't living in their dream home now but, intend to make that move in a couple of years. Why not now? Now when housing prices are stable and there are signs of a slow upward trend in the economy. Rates are expected to rise steadily in the next few years. Now is the time to sell your current home and buy your forever home! For more information and a candid discussion about the pros and cons of upgrading your lifestyle in Bossier City call me at 318-213-1534 or 318-208-9980. Until Next Time Yours in Real Estate ~Sherry

I must complain the cards are ill shuffled till I have a good hand.
~Jonathan Swift

I know little about the game of poker. My husband is a self-employed cattleman and farmer and I am a commissioned sales professional. I have always felt those two things alone were "gamble" enough for my life.

But several of my friends and colleagues love to challenge each other to a "friendly" game of poker after a long day of meetings when we gather together in one place from the far corners of the USA for various corporate events. Because of their competitive nature, I do think of them when I see this quote:

Cards are war, in disguise of a sport.

~Charles Lamb

I was more than a little excited when this group informed me this past Thursday as we gathered in Dallas for a manager's meeting, that the proceeds from their scheduled game that night would go to the charity which is at the heart of much of what I do, the Boot Campaign, a non-profit organization which helps to support several wounded warrior projects.

And I was even MORE excited when the next morning this group handed me $1,020.00 as their contribution to the Boot Campaign! These mortgage professionals within my company all have a heart as big as the state of Texas we were in and I'm blessed to call them not only co-workers and colleagues, but FRIENDS.

Thank you, HEROES of the mortgage business, for not only going the extra mile in your own community to serve your clients, but for going the extra mile to give to one of the finest non-profit organizations in America, the Boot Campaign, which in turn will give to the men and women of the United States Military for various wounded warrior projects.

All I can say is - Now THAT's a winning hand!

Market Trends Since 2006

Tiburon has proved to be quite the success to its developers, and doesn’t look like it will be losing steam any time soon. Since the first home sold in 2006, property values in Tiburon have appreciated from .25% to as much as 4.6% each year. Since 2006, NEW CONSTRUCTION values have increased 12.65%, an average of 2.08% per year.

The first “EXISTING HOME” to sell in Tiburon was in 2009; since then existing home values have increase .75%. If that number seems that’s because it is. Unfortunately, in 2011 Tiburon saw its first foreclosed property sell at only $111.54 per square foot. When that property was removed from the data, we saw a more ideal appreciation of EXISTING HOMES at 4.78% over the last 3 years (an average of 1.59% per year). Figure 1 shows the appreciation of property values per year since 2006.

Figure 1: Average Price Per Square Foot by Year

2011 Home Sales

The table below shows the property sales in Tiburon during 2011. Only three EXISTING HOMES sold in 2011 and unfortunately one was a Short Sale (sold less than actual value). However, even with the Short Sale the other two homes held their value at an average of $126.14 between the two.

Market Outlook

Demonstrated by the consistent appreciation of property values each year for the last 6 years it is safe to assume the Tiburon real estate market will hold strong. An issue that will remain constant until the new construction homes are completed is the desirability of new homes over existing ones. It is a phenomenon that is difficult for many to understand, but more often than not home buyers will be drawn to the appeal of a being the first owner of a property and the possibility of choosing finishes such as the flooring and counter tops. This appeal is often so strong, that these buyers will overlook an existing property with larger lots, fenced yards, sprinkler systems, and so on.

Not only are the new construction homes being built in Tiburon a menace to the existing home values in Tiburon, but so are the homes being built in the Villages at Tiburon. These homes are not as custom as those on the Tiburon side, but they feature many of the desired updates that existing homes may or may not offer (depending on year built) including Granite throughout, hand scraped wood floors, fireplaces, open floor plans, bonus rooms, extended patios and often times fences and sprinkler systems. There are many great lots available and being built on in the Villages as well.

Now all that being said, we have seen the builders on both sides of Tiburon pushing the market this year (much higher prices than last year), which may help existing homes to sell more easily. The key to successfully selling existing homes in any developing community is for the homeowners to be realistic on their values. It is important to remember that an existing home is almost never equal in value to a new construction home. In 2011, new construction homes in Tiburon sold for 11.29% more (price per square foot) on average than the existing homes.

If you are interested in finding out a current value for your property please give me a call at (318) 734-9001 to request a Comprehensive Market Analysis of your property, or visit www.JennyTheRealtor.com.

Recently, I conducted an impromptu survey on the Barksdale Military Life and Information Facebook group to see what the most highly recommended apartments are for those PCSing to Barksdale AFB. Criteria for the list would be location, military friendly, and amenities.

Below are the top 5 apartment complexes as voted by current Barksdale AFB residents. (Note: I am just the messenger! I have never personally rented from these apartments, so this is not an explicit endorsement of any of them. They are not listed in any particular order)

Bossier City:

Lexington Place (located right outside the north gate of BAFB)

1301 Williamsburg Drive, Bossier City, 71112

Fellow military members voted for this apartment complex for its location (backs up to base) and amenities. Someone even mentioned they offer furniture packages.
Community Features:

• Business Center with Copy & Fax Services
• Clubhouse with Fireplace, Kitchen & HDTV
• 24-Hour Fitness Center
• Gated Community
• Jogging Trail
• Dog Park
• Covered Parking
• Laundry Facility
• Playground
• Resort-Style Swimming Pool
• Whirlpool Spa

Jamestown Place ­ (less than 5 minutes from BAFB)

5400 Barksdale BLVD, Bossier City, LA 71112

Fellow military members voted for this apartment complex also for its location (less than 5 minutes from the Main Gate) and amenities. These apartments also offer a furniture package. Access to Shreveport is just over the river!

Community Features:

• Gated
• Resort styled pool
• Lush landscaping
• Community center with: Billiard table; 2 flat screens; Coffee bar; Business center; 24hr fitness center with children’s play place; Wi-fi; Outdoor kitchen for residents

Shreveport:

The Willows at Wright Island (less than 5 minutes)

1333 Coates Bluff Drive, Shreveport, LA 71104

The Willows are located right over the river from the Main gate. They have 2 community pools
and whirlpools. There are also on-site management and maintenance that are very responsive.

Community Features:

• Clubhouse
• Whirlpools(s)
• On-site laundry
• On-site manager
• Fitness center
• Storage space(s)
• On-site maintenance
• Pool(s)
• High-speed internet available
• Dishwasher

Villages of Williamsburg - (less than 10 minutes from BAFB )

3215 Knight Street, Shreveport, LA 71105

This community was recommended for price, location and amenities.

Community amenities:

• Pool(s)
• 24 hour fitness center
• Tennis court
• Volleyball
• Pet-friendly

Summer Pointe (about 20-25 minutes from BAFB, but worth the drive I am told)

5720 South Lakeshore Drive, Shreveport, LA 71119

This neighborhood is not the best location to base, but was recommended because of the peaceful retreat feel it has and location to Cross Lake. Ideal for those who want to get away from base when you’re not working!

Community Amenities:

• Across from Cross lake (boating,
  sailing, hunting..etc)
• Tri-level resort style pool with
  whirlpool
• Clubroom
• Courtyard with volleyball area
• Pet-Friendly
• Fireplaces available
• Alarm systems available
• W/D hook ups in select apartments

These (of course) are not the only apartments available in the area. Here are map views of apartments in Bossier City and Shreveport. I fyou have any recommendations, please share!

If you are looking for a house to rent, check out www.AHRN.com for military owned properties for rent!

If buying is an option or if you would like to explore the possibility of owning your own home, contact me today for a FREE, no obligation Buyer Consultation!